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In response to the news of Harapan’s return to Cincinnati, we’ve received requests for a sample letter that supporters of Sumatran rhino conservation can send to their State Representatives. Below you will find generic text that can be copied and pasted to use as you draft your letter. In addition, here is a link to help you easily find your State Representative. Thank you for supporting the Sumatran rhino!

Dear U.S. Representative:

I recently learned that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Lindner Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) is the only Sumatran rhino zoo breeding program in North America. I was concerned to hear about the issues facing the program and both the wild & in zoo populations of Sumatran rhinos. As you probably know, the Sumatran rhino is critically endangered with only 100 wild rhinos left, and the Cincinnati Zoo is internationally recognized for its contributions to conserving this species. For over a decade, the Cincinnati Zoo was the only successful breeding facility, largely due to the hard work of scientists at CREW and the support of the Los Angeles Zoo, the only other U.S. Zoo currently involved. After years of collaboration with partners in Southeast Asia, the U.S. Zoos celebrated with them when they produced their first calf in June 2012 in Indonesia, sired by a calf produced in Cincinnati.

That being said, saving the Sumatran rhino from extinction will require more than the efforts of the Cincinnati Zoo and the few other conservation organizations concerned about this species. Therefore, I am writing you today to ask you to support the work of the Cincinnati Zoo and join your colleagues that have already expressed interest in helping to save the species, Congressman Chabot, Senator Portman, and Senator Brown. When enough concerned and passionate individuals come together on a cause, it is amazing what can be accomplished.

Any effort on your behalf to ensure the long-term survival of this magnificent animal will not go unnoticed.

Sincerely,